Nama’s Blues n Poetry Series is an ongoing event where we celebrate our heritage and preserve our culture through original performances of Blues N Poetry at the Historical New Amsterdam Musical Association.
The purpose of this event is to highlight the connection between the Blues and Poetry as the oral and documented stories of our heritage and experience on this land. It’s also a place where we come together and nurture the original works of community artists who are looking for a safe and comfortable place to try out their original works that represent the African American culture.
Founded in 1904, NAMA (New Amsterdam Musical Association),is the oldest African-American musical organization in the United States. It was founded at the time that the American Federation of Musicians Local 310 did not admit minority musicians.
Now with Landmark Status, Nama Harlem operates as a full service Nonprofit. While the New Amsterdam Musical Association has never defined itself as a Jazz-oriented organization, it has certainly been both a literal and figurative home for many jazz musicians. Located in Harlem, at 107 West 130th street. NAMA has served as a place for many musicians to gather after performances to socialize and to practice. It was not uncommon for the likes of John Coltrane or Max Roach to rehearse on the ground floor of the brownstone. Until the 1990’s, NAMA also allowed musicians to board in the upper floors when they came to town. For a spell, Jelly Roll Morton lived in one of the upstairs rooms. Currently, NAMA offers lessons to all vocalists and instrumentalists at all levels at low to no cost, depending on the circumstances of the student. It also holds a host of community events such as jam sessions and barbecues that both serve as gathering times for the Harlem community as well as fundraising events for NAMA itself.
